Oldest elephant on Earth, Yoyo, dies in Barcelona zoo at 54

The oldest African elephant on earth, Yoyo, has died at 54 in Barcelona zoo. The center announced the news on Saturday, saying that there are no records of an elder such animal alive –the life expectancy of this species when taken care by humans is 39.

In a statement, the zoo said Yoyo's health became poorer in the past few weeks because of her age, and despite the efforts made by the in-house vets she ended up passing away. The same team is providing support to Susi and Bully, the two other old female elephants who used to live with Yoyo.

According to the local council in charge of the center, Laia Bonet, the years the zoo has been taking care of the animal is evidence of "the efforts in preserving this species under threat."

"We will remember her as a charming elephant, while with personality and caring. She was a model for her mates Susi and Bully, and very much loved by us and visitors," added Barcelona zoo director, Antoni Alarcon.

Yoyo arrived in the center in 2009 after the Catalan government seized her from the now closed RioLeón Safari, an amusement park. She had previously been in a circus, which caused her physical and psychological damage that required much attention from the zoo. Throughout the years, this damage and Yoyo's behavior improved.

In 2013, the zoo moved her and the other two elephants to a new space that reproduces the sabana in Sahel, which seeks to improve the animals' well-being. For instance, it includes several troughs 8 meters high that enable them to look for food as if they were in the open nature.